1. FDC MOBILISATION EXPEDITION
Over the weekend, the FDC Party Leadership led by Party President Hon. Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, Deputy President Ms. Margaret Wokuri Madanda, Deputy Treasurer Hon. Attan Moses Okia engaged in the Party building and strengthening exercise . The Mobilisation expedition started in Soroti District on Friday and it attracted both FDC Structure and elected leaders at Ave Maria High School in Gweri Constituency and in the afternoon, the team concluded with Soroti City. Yesterday the leaders met the Party structure of Kumi District in Kumi Town. The objectives of such meetings were to address conflict resolutions, initiating early candidates identification at all levels and the Party President officiated the launch of Sironko District FDC Youth Sacco in Sironko Town on Saturday.
2. 17TH FDC NATIONAL COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS
On 15th December 2023, the Party held the 17th National Council meeting and resolved on a number of key policy direction.
Among which was the creation of new Offices by the Party President as mandated by the Party constitution article 21(4) and these offices were approved by the National Council. I have the pleasure to inform you about the following members who were elevated to join the FDC National Executive Committee (NEC) as Deputy Secretaries;
They include;
1. Publications and Documentation – Mr. Walid Lubega Mulindwa
2. Ideology and Capacity Building – Hon. Achan Hellen
3. Program/Project Development – Hon. Kaliija James Kats
4. Protocol and Operations – Hon. Namwanga Rukia
5. Oil and Gas – Hon. Oyodah Ritah
6. Brand Quality Control and Marketing – Hon. Ibrahim Kasozi
7. Human Rights – Mr. Kayanja Thomas
The same National Council which is the second apex decision making body approved the designation of Party leaders by the Party President to the 10 standing committees as provided for in article 27(1) of the Party constitution.
The National Council called for invitation of the expression of interest of all those that intend to contest on the FDC ticket as part of the Party’s preparations for the General Elections regarding early candidates identification. The process will commence on 12th January – 5th March 2024 at the Party Headquarters. We are encouraging Party leaders and members to heed to this noble and important exercise that is meant to help the Party to sufficiently organize for the coming election unlike before.
3. EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR PROSPECTIVE FLAG BEARERS
In preparation for the upcoming General Elections, National Council sitting on the 15th of December 2023 resolved that the party starts early identification of potential FDC candidates for all elective positions. We have already started issuing out Expression of Interest Forms to all members interested in contesting under the FDC flag. This is to enable the Party to make early preparations for the forthcoming General Elections. This exercise will continue till the 29th February 2023
Expression of interest forms will be available at the FDC headquarters Najjanankumbi, all District offices and on the FDC website at www.fdc.ug.
4. NAM and G77+China Summits
Uganda is gearing up to host the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit and the G77+China (Third South) Summit, commencing today Monday, 15th January 2024. While these international events bring attention to our nation, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) expresses significant concerns regarding the potential adverse effects on the common person and local businesses.
As we observe the preparations, we notice that small businesses along Entebbe road are being forcibly closed by the regime, purportedly to present a more favorable image to the summit visitors. This, unfortunately, has left many of our citizens, already grappling with small enterprises like mobile money and food kiosks, without any alternative means of livelihood.
Additionally, citizens are being forced to invest in house painting, and renovation, while those unable to afford these changes are facing the closure of their businesses and living houses. This unfortunate act is happening at a time when many Ugandans struggle to secure a daily meal, and leading to additional costs which only worsen their challenges and diminish their livelihood.
The FDC notes with concern that the primary beneficiaries of these summits seem to be individuals of substantial wealth, exemplified by the allocation of 85 billion Ugandan Shillings to Sudir Ruparelia for the construction of a Conventional Center. We find it disconcerting that the funds used for hosting these conferences have been borrowed, placing the financial burden squarely on the shoulders of taxpayers. On a more unrealistic content, new vehicles are procured very expensively using borrowed money. Remember as we are speaking, our external debt is over 55 trillion. This means if Uganda must clear this debt, the country must not finance anything for two years to get Uganda free from debt. But this is a fallacy, and the country will continue to struggle due to such reckless decisions.
As FDC, Instead of shutting down local businesses, we believe that the government encouraged Ugandans to stock items that can be sold to summit visitors. This approach would not only support local entrepreneurs but also contribute to a more inclusive and mutually beneficial engagement with the international community. On a sad note, transport fairs have gone so high, and road confusion arising from the impromptu warning and road guidelines released by the Internal Organizing Committee of the summits
In conclusion, the FDC urges a shift in focus towards inclusive benefits for the broader population, emphasizing collaboration with local businesses rather than imposing additional burdens on the already struggling citizens of Uganda.
5. RENEWAL OF TENURE OF PARTISAN ELECTORAL COMMISSION
Last week Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni renewed the term of Office of the Electoral Commission Chairman Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi ,his Deputy Hajat Aisha Lubega and 5 other Commissioners for a term of Office of 7years. The FDC is concerned that the President has further entrenched partisanship in the country’s electoral process which has reduced the Electoral Commission to be an NRM outfit. The appointment of Hon. Kasule Robert Ssebunya the former NRM Nansana Municipality MP and Hon. Okello the former NRM Kyoga County MP this comes at a time when the Civil Society Organisations and opposition political parties through the citizens compact on free and fair elections and the FDC position is very clear , We don’t envisage a referee who is chosen by one of the competing teams. So we don’t expect justice to be dispensed.
We proposed for an independent Commission that have citizens and Stakeholders participation , the Commission should be shortlisted on camera.
The FDC will participate in protest
6. DESIGNATION OF NEW OPPOSITION LEADERSHIP
The FDC congratulate the newly designated Opposition Leadership in Parliament by the National Unity Platform (NUP). We intend to work together to push for a joint Opposition Legislative agenda. This can be achieved through mutual respect, recognition, team work and consultation with the different Party leadership in the Opposition in and outside Parliament.
We expect the LOP to be the Leader of Opposition in Parliament and not the Leader of Advisors in Parliament (LAP) of the ruling Party but we must do whatever it takes using the Opposition Platform in Parliament to remove the NRM dictatorship. We wish the new Opposition leadership led by the Rt.Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi fruitful service
Kikonyogo John
PUBLICITY SECRETARY